Filipino designs shine at Miss Earth Philippines 2018

Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco from the Philippines was at her most beautiful when she turned over her crown. She was glowing in a white bustier ballgown by Val Taguba.

For the finals night, fashion designers were asked to create haute-couture gowns following the theme “Sea and Sky.”

Paolo Blanco created the gown for the statuesque Silvia Celeste Cortesi, Miss Earth Philippines 2018 winner.

“It’s an illusion sheer top encrusted with silver blue crystals with beaded fringe ombré Tiffany blue to silver serpentina skirt,” Blanco said on his work.

Jearson Demavivas designed for the pretty half-Palestinian Miss Philippines Air Zahra Bianca Saldua.

“With the need to preserve conservatism without compromising modern style, this royal blue gown was created to achieve a stunning juxtaposition of daring and traditionalist values since the wearer is a practicing Muslim,” he explained.

“The details include a unique overlay of crystal tulle cloth that diagonally falls off the skirt from one side and a crystal-detailed base of the entire gown - a combination that emblems not only elegance but impressive contemporary style.”

Benj Leguiab IV said of his creation for Miss Philippines Fire Jean de Jesus: “Everyone’s saying you looked so dashing, regal and classy in the galaxy blue gown I made. I designed this gown not just only for details, what’s trendy, or trying to look different but I focused to make (you stand out so you could be the best version of yourself.)”

Gerry Fernandez made a light ash-blue gown of French lace for Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Halimatu Tanador Yushawu: “It’s a body-hugging silhouette with flowy skirt at the back. Crystals and pearls are all over the gown, highlighted with metallic bamboo beads fringes for a dramatic impact.”

Bea Bianca Mackey designed the “Best in Long Gown” worn by Miss Philippines Water Berjayneth Goc-Ong Chee during preliminaries: “Keeping the Earth’s color, the flowy, high-slit, nude-base gown is made of beaded, checkered cloth appliqued in lace, giving the impression of an empowered Filipina who calls for the love of humanity. It has Swarovski crystals and ostrich feathers.”

For Chee’s final gown, Mackey created a haltered, royal-blue sequined gown with flowy, detachable tulle train.

“It’s for the environment warrior who will protect the world’s oceans by advocating for cleanliness on the shorelines,” Mackey enthused.